The timid youth hid their emotions as we began the English class. Today, the last class before the break we would talk about Christmas. Not about the pagan origins of the celebration that still remained to a vast majority in Japan but about the Christian meaning. When I asked what Christmas was about besides Santa Claus, the blank stares I received reflected more than lack of English ability but little or no knowledge whatsoever of Jesus’ birthday celebration. I had been surprised before in my English classes but never more than now. These students seemed to never have heard of Jesus. It was a wonderful opportunity for me, but I wondered if these junior high students might never have heard about Jesus if I had not come to Japan. When I talked about the cross, the resurrection and the fact that Christians believe Jesus is God in the flesh, there may have been a glimmer of recognition in one or two pair of eyes. The bottom line is that I am thankful that I did come to Japan and share the Good News of the Gospel because I not sure they would have ever heard the message otherwise.

Note: This is throwback article written a number of years ago while I was in Japan.

The following is the book trailer for the recently released Christian espionage novel entitled Heart of Terror. The Midwest Book Review said of the book: “Heart of Terror is an exciting twist of thriller and faith, very much recommended reading.” The novel is available as an ebook as well as in paperback from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

The Christian espionage novel entitled Heart of Terror was recently released. One reviewer called the book “a well-written, engaging novel”. He went on to say: “It is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel.” Another reviewer wrote: “If you enjoy fast-paced books with lots of action, you will enjoy Heart of Terror.” The Midwest Book Review said: “Heart of Terror is an exciting twist of thriller and faith, very much recommended reading.” The novel is available as an ebook as well as in paperback from Amazon and the Barnes and Noble website.

The Christian espionage novel entitled Heart of Terror was just released. One reviewer called the book “a well-written, engaging novel”. The back cover reads: “Two ill-prepared individuals are thrown into separate terrorist worlds and forced to fight and endure. They struggle to stop the ongoing onslaught of terrorism. At times, their efforts event turn humorous. Their paths, linked together from the start, eventually merge for a potentially devastating climax.” One reviewer called the book “a well-written, engaging novel”. Heart of Terror is available as an ebook as well as from the usual outlets like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

The teaching jobs listed on the website abound. While most unemployed educators struggle to find a position, those not afraid of adventure can leap into a cross-cultural experience. Worldwide job listings that cry out for educators are added daily and not just in the spring and summer. Some of the teaching positions require specialized credentials, but many only require a university degree and little or no experience. It takes a tough person emotionally, physically and spiritually to go this route, but the rewards are usually very gratifying.(If you are a Christian, make sure you take a Bible, Christian music, books, etc. that you will need to maintain your inner strength.) The avenue is wide open to gain teaching experience for the inexperienced and to earn a tax-free income of up to $70,000.00(the last time I looked at the U.S. tax regulations). The salary in some countries is paltry and more of a ministry, but in others it is comparable to earnings in the U.S. At first, overcoming your fear of the unknown may be your toughest battle, but the rewards in the end are worth it. Personally, I spent two years teaching in Japan and five years teaching in Saudi Arabia, and even though it was difficult I would not trade those experiences for anything.

Here are two websites that may open the door to a new adventure:

1) Dave’s ESL Cafe or eslcafe.com for secular positions listed under Job Center Home Page and the International Job Board

2) Association of Christian Schools International or acsi.org under Jobs and Overseas Openings

***Update Note: Since this article was written the Association of Christian Schools International has changed their website, and it is no longer free to view possible job openings. Not having got into the site since the change I can’t say what is there now.

Unreached Peoples’ Missions has been supplying scriptures to national ministries in Southeast Asia for many years. There are many more requests for scriptures than UPM can meet. If you would like to donate to UPM the contact information is as follows: Unreached Peoples’ Missions, 5341 NE Webster Ct., Portland, OR 97218 USA. UPM is a nonprofit organization.